Death Ship shows terrorists, crims can hide on ships: Senator

by ojacques

Owen Jacques
News Editor

Owen Jacques is an award-winning investigative journalist from Mackay, now based on the Sunshine Coast as APN Australian Regional Media’s Online News Editor. He has a strong background reporting on politics, business and breaking news. Owen has also specialised in resources reporting, which included a successful campaign to fight 100% fly-in, fly-out mining in rural Queensland towns.

WE have the threat of terrorism, organised crime and at least two suspicious deaths that we know about, yet the Federal Government is yet to act on the dangers carried by foreign ships operating in our waters.

The risks posed by foreign shipping -- particularly those registered in poorer, third-world nations -- landed centre stage last week as the NSW Deputy Coroner Sharon Freund handed down her findings into how two men died aboard the Sage Sagttiarus, or "Death Ship".

His inquiry called for the government to tighten up visas for foreign ships and to examine security risks. Each of these recommendations were rejected by the government.

Although at first the disappearance of a chief cook was blamed on him taking his own life, it is now clear that he was likely murdered.

Two weeks later, the ship's chief engineer was struck on the skull before he fell 11m to his death. This too was likely a result of foul play.

Foreign-flagged ships could be putting Australia's national security at risk.

After two years of investigation confirmed the crew suffered physical and emotional abuse and the captain had admitted to selling guns on board, Ms Freund said it was clear there were still too many hurdles for authorities when investigating deaths on board.

But Ms Freund's comments risk going unheard or ignored by those who matter.